Description: The Hamas – run Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip has reported that more than 85 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire while seeking aid in outposts established by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Reports from local residents indicated that Israeli Defense Forces indiscriminately targeted Palestinians who were attempting to reach humanitarian aid outposts without any provocation. IDF blamed Hamas for inciting chaos within the enclave by sending raid groups which were taking large parts of the humanitarian aid intended for Gaza’s civilian population. The attacks are a daily occurrence in Gaza which has been plagued by constant military interventions and reached devastating levels of humanitarian disaster. The IDF announced that the military offensive would continue in the central city of Deir al – Balah in Gaza, where numerous evacuations orders were issued. Hamas and Israel are yet to make any progress regarding the ceasefire agreement mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the US, which has been indefinitely stalled due to unsurmountable impasses regarding various contested provisions by both sides.
Impact: The war in Gaza shows no signs of stopping with Israel continuing to expand its military offensive in the central regions of the enclave, establishing further control to key humanitarian aid supply routes. Mediation efforts from Qatar, Egypt and the US haven’t resulted in any constructive compromises between Hamas and Israel which are refusing to commit towards a ceasefire due to categorically opposing differences. Hamas had allegedly agreed to the 60 – day ceasefire under guarantees that further negotiations would result in the termination of the war, while Israel has refused the proposal labeling it as unconstructive if the terrorist organization fails to disarm itself. Hamas despite its compromised standing in Gaza has shown resistance in agreeing towards the so – called imposed ceasefire while Israel continued to pressure the organization through military offensives which are inflicting massive civilian casualties and humanitarian disaster. The situation would remain unchanged for the time being unless unexpected breakthroughs are reached in the mediated negotiations.